Casio to release MR-G inspired by gleam of Japanese katana swords

Casio Computer Co Ltd has announced the release in November of a new addition to the MR-G line, the flagship of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new MRG-B2000JS honors the Jyuroku-Maru: San, the Japanese katana sword commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line of timepieces, embodying the strength and beauty of this one-of-a-kind sword. This very special timepiece is offered in a limited edition of only 800 pieces worldwide.

Based on the concept of delivering the ultimate in toughness-driven watches, the MR-G line is the pinnacle of the G-SHOCK brand, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail and incorporating state-of-the-art technology and master metalworking techniques.

The Juryoku-Maru: San, an original sword commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line, brings the katana sword and MR-G design together in the combination of strength and functional beauty for which both are known. The katana blade is forged by master swordsmith Teruhira Kamiyama, and the aogai1 blue shell lacquer scabbard is designed by traditional artisan Nomura Mamoru.

1. Aogai: Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) technique using abalone shell, turban shell, pearl oyster shell, and others that fall into the aogai category of shells.

The distinctive shock-resistant MRG-B2000JS design is based on the Juryoku-Maru: San motif, evoking its extraordinary shape and expressing the traditional techniques and aesthetics unique to Japanese katana swords. The recrystallized hybrid titanium bezel with its unique temper pattern is made in layers of Ti64 and pure titanium that are subjected to high-temperature, high-pressure compression. This material is then cut, polished, and recrystallized to replicate the beautiful blade pattern of the Juryoku-Maru: San. The band is textured with the aogai blue shell lacquer used on the sword’s scabbard. Micro-level processing of DAT55G,2 a metal alloy three times harder than pure titanium, produces microstructures on the metal surfaces that reflect light to create magnificent colors that change depending on the viewing angle.

Using the same technique as in swordsmithing, master swordsmith Kamiyama has hand-engraved the inscription of 燦, the Japanese kanji character for San, on each individual timepiece, giving each its own unique look.

Elements such as the textural pattern of hishimaki-gara, the traditional diamond shapes seen on the Juryoku-Maru: San hilt, and indexes evoking the curvature of a sword blade convey the katana worldview down to the finest detail.

Price: 1.1 million yen

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